Granada is one of Southern Spain’s most alluring cities with its own distinct bohemian culture, Moorish architecture and magnificent fortress. It’s a place that really must be admired and explored in person! Want to know more?
It’s true that the Andalusian region has no shortage of natural wonders and I thought nothing would beat the views from Ronda’s gorge or match the charm of Seville, but Granada is next level.
…And the real cherry on top was in discovering an authentic Spanish culture and a charming bar with the most epic views I’ve ever laid eyes on!
Here are my five Granada discoveries you will want to keep for later!
5 BEST THINGS TO SEE & DO IN GRANADA
1. EXPLORE WORLD HERITAGE ALHAMBRA
Everyone is familiar with the Alhambra, but seeing the 13th century masterpiece up close is something very special. It’s one of the iconic landmarks in Spain and in my opinion the highlight of the Andalusian region.
It’s superb location above the old town meant that visiting is very doable without a guide. As a solo traveller I had no issues in finding my way to the entrance and spending the next few hours wandering around the flower displays, fountains, reflective pools and Islamic arches – and the views just got better and better!
ALHAMBRA TICKETS & TOURS
Tickets for the Alhambra can be booked out well in advance, it’s the most iconic thing to see and do in Granada, especially Nasrid Palace, which is a timed entry.
Book Alhambra Fast-Track Ticket – Discover the breathtaking Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces. Visit the Alcazaba, the Generalife, and the Mosque Baths as well – note, only the Nasrid Palace is timed, see the other attractions at your choosing.
Book Small Group Tour Ticket – Enjoy priority Access to the Alhambra, including the Nasrid Palaces, El Generalife, the Alhambra Gardens, the Medina, and the Alcazaba.
HOW TO GET TO THE ALHAMBRA
I recommend taking the scenic path up from Plaza Nueva, it’s signposted and is 20-30 minutes by foot. Then enter via the Gate of Justice (see image directly below) – there are no queues!
2. LISTEN TO AUTHENTIC FLAMENCO
Opposite the Alhambra is Granada’s oldest and coolest bohemian area, the Albayzin, which of course is where you will find culture and character in abundance! A lot of the culture revolves around the arts and music, which is seemingly everywhere – even on private balconies and rooftops. In fact, it’s the most musical area in Spain I’ve come across on my travels so far, including Seville and Barcelona.
At the very top of the Albayzin sits Mirador de San Nicholas viewpoint – I’ll be honest it did take some finding through the narrow cobbled winding paths that all look the same. BUT this spot is worth seeking out as it draws a cool crowd of established singers and musicians every single evening and the atmosphere is really electric especially over sunset with the Alhambra panorama glowing brightly in the background.
GOOD TO KNOW
The performers start around 6-ish and it really is a must see, providing you leave enough time to find it as getting there involves a lot of narrow paths, plazas and stairs and your phone navigation is not too helpful either! As a solo traveller I found this area a bit too quiet and a total labyrinth, don’t bring anything valuable and make sure you plan a good route to find your way back! TIP! A really nice day out is seeing the Alhambra in the morning, stopping for lunch by the river then drinks and sunset at this very viewpoint – perfect!
You may like to consider a tour and learn more about the historic neighbourhoods as well as finding some hidden gems along the way – without getting lost! See below for tour details.
RECOMMENDED: GRANADA: ALBAICIN & SACRAMONTE 2.5 HOUR WALK
3. HAVE DRINKS AT EL HUERTO DE JUAN
One of the best ‘drink with a view’ hotspots is right below Mirador de San Nicholas, unusually positioned through a hole in the wall leading to the most fabulous terracotta sunset bar, El Huerto de Juan. I don’t say this lightly, but when I walked through to the terrace I was absolutely in awe, honestly what a view! The ambiance and cool Mediterranean vibe is exactly what I hoped to find in Granada.
As well as drinks you can order food from the restaurant, it offers a typical mix of Mediterranean and Arabic, which can be found all over Granada being of Moorish heritage, sadly I didn’t eat here but wish I had! I loved this spot so much I returned the following afternoon for coffee (and wine) and to catch another glimpse of the awesome views of the entire Alhambra skyline and town below.
Granada’s secret terraces: In the early evening many restaurants with suntrap terraces and Alhambra views open up in the Albayzin. If you look carefully, you can find them through the doorways which are kept hidden and closed during the daytime – this place really is a maze!
4. WANDER THE OLD TOWN & UNESCO ALBAYZIN
Granada is made for walking, all the main areas effortlessly flow from one to the other, I didn’t even look at a map the whole time I was there – and you wont need to either if you pick a central hotel (see below)! Everywhere around the old town is incredibly photogenic with remarkable views and buildings, however the three best spots are Cathedral Square, River Darro and the Albayzin.
Why not start with a coffee in the square facing the huge cathedral then walk the length of the romantic river stopping by the little boutiques and terraces. Then head up one of the steep stairs – it doesn’t matter which because they all take you straight into the heart of the UNESCO Albayzin where the attractive white houses and cobble stoned lanes live!
TIP! Keep a look out for restaurants you may want to return to later!
5. HAVE LUNCH WITH A BEAUTIFUL VIEW
One of the best things to do in Granada is grab a fabulous lunch with stunning views – and there’s plenty to choose from, if you’re only staying for a day or two I would suggest booking a table in advance.
Here are some of my favourite restaurants in Granada:
LA TABERNILLA DEL DARRO: A charming high-end tavern overlooking the river – snag an inside table seated next to the huge open window you won’t regret it! I really loved this place, tradition – meets modern with lots of exposed stone walls and hidden nooks, it’s very attractive and all the recommendations were spot on, especially the octopus and wine!
LA FONTANA: A popular coffee spot along the bustling Darro River banks with fantastic Alhambra views, the location and terrace means that the patrons stay for hours! They also serve light bites, breakfast and tapas as well as complimentary tapas with wine.
CASA DE LA CATHEDRAL: Casa De La Cathedral boutique hotel has a fab terrace in the middle of the historic square facing the imposing cathedral. Breakfast is complimentary if you stay here, but anyone can sit and enjoy the views with a light breakfast or lunch – it’s very popular with tourists and locals alike.
EL HUERTO DE JUAN: As mentioned El Huerto is a popular Mediterranean panoramic restaurant and terrace at the very top of the Albayzin with unbeatable views across to the Alhambra. It’s worth heading there for a late lunch, before the sunset drinking crowd, you will have first pick of the best seats!
Granada is a fantastic budget friendly destination and most eating and drinking places offer complimentary tapas with drinks between 1-4pm and after 9pm.
ANOTHER DAY?
If you have a bit of extra time on your hands, there are few other things worth checking out to maximize your trip in Granada!
LA CARTUJA MONASTERY: Visit this 16th Century monastery, just 2 miles from the city with peaceful panoramic hilltop views.
HISTORIC VILLAGES: Take a guided tour of the historic areas of Albayzin and Sacromonte and the cave houses with many more hidden local gems along the way!
DAYTRIP THROUGH ALPAJARRA: Stroll through the oldest town in the region with breath-taking valley views until reaching the highest city in Spain! Book HERE.
SIERRA NEVADA 4WD SAFARI: Travel to the Sierra Nevada mountains on a 6 hour safari from Granada. Enjoy picturesque villages and epic scenery!
WHERE TO STAY IN GRANADA
All of the main sights are within central Granada, and you can easily walk between them, so the most convenient spot to stay is right in the historical part, near the Plaza Nueva, Cathedral or even the Albayzin itself. In the Albayzin you’ll likely have a front-row view of the Alhambra opposite and all the cafes and restaurants on your doorstep.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN GRANADA
When it comes to accommodation style in Granada, you will find many apartments, guest houses and small boutiques, there are no high rises or chain hotels here and more or less every building will be heritage! Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Granada.
CASA BOMBO | A fantastic bed and breakfast with amazing views over the Alhambra. Situated in the in the heart of the Albayzin, a perfect location with a great little terrace and pool for relaxing.
CASA DE LA CATHEDRAL | A newly decorated boutique hotel looking on to the Cathedral with a lovely breakfast terrace situated in the square – a good value hotel.
PALACIO DE LOS NEVAS | White, chic and romantic, this hotel is housed in a 16th century palace just 500 yards from the Albayzin. Features include a pretty inner courtyard, exposed beams and walls that add plenty of character.
SHINE ALBAYZIN | A stunning restored 16th century hotel with Alhambra views and nicely decorated rooms, earthy tones and a pleasant atmosphere.
SERCOT GRANADA SUITES | A modern boutique hotel, just a 10 minute walk from the Cathedral. Sercot Granada offers fantastic suites, fully equipped – plus there’s a pool, terrace and carpark for those who need it.
GRANADA TIPS
WHERE IS GRANADA?
Granada is at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is the most visited place in Andalusia, around 3.5 million tourists per year come to see the Alhambra.
WHEN TO VISIT GRANADA?
Granada is very hot in summer (when I visited in early June it was 40 degrees), but it also gets very chilly in winter, when the mountains peaks turn white! Late spring and the months of May and June would be a perfect time to visit, when there’s fewer tourist crowds, blooming flowers, light nights and you can sit outside without the unbearable heat!
HOW TO GET TO GRANADA?
If you are only visiting Granada you can fly directly from the UK, however most travellers are touring around the Andalusian region and therefor a good starting point would be Malaga. Malaga is only 1.5 hours away and is served really well with the budget airlines – this is the option I chose for convenience.
DO YOU NEED SPANISH IN GRANADA?
Why not learn a little Spanish before you arrive? While English is more widely spoken in tourist areas such as hotels and restaurants, it is not the case for smaller tapas bars, wine bars, public transport, taxi drivers etc. I took a few week’s worth of Spanish lessons with the Ling App just 10-20 minutes per day to grasp the basics and get by while traveling around Andalusia!
The most popular way to travel around Andalusia is via car and coach. As a solo traveller I chose the coach option, saw a great deal of scenery and had no problems.
HOW LONG TO STAY IN GRANADA?
To see the main sights of Granada old town 2 full days is enough, but if you want to factor in a day trip or a have a pool to relax then I suggest 4 full days, especially in the warmer months when there’s lots more to do.
READ MORE ABOUT ANDALUSIA, SPAIN
Granada is a great place to stay for a few days, there’s epic views and lots of character, I loved my time here and would definitely advise anyone to tag it on to their Andalusian adventure! Where is your favourite part of Spain?
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